England v Fiji - Teams and Prediction
PREVIEW: Although England will be favourites to come out on top at Twickenham on Saturday, Fiji cannot be underestimated when the two sides meet in the Nations Series.
Steve Borthwick’s men head into the clash on the back of a 25-7 win over Australia in their series opener – a result that extended their winning run to eight matches following a successful summer tour of Argentina and the USA.
However, this weekend presents a far tougher challenge against a Fiji side brimming with confidence and Premiership experience.
The Pacific Islanders ran England close in last year’s World Cup quarterfinal and, just months earlier, claimed a historic 30–22 victory – their first in nine meetings between the two nations.
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Fiji have named a powerful lineup for the rematch, featuring Saracens prop Eroni Mawi, Northampton lock Temo Mayanavanua, and Bristol pair Viliame Mata and Kalaveti Ravouvou.
Caleb Muntz, the architect of Fiji’s shock win at Twickenham in 2023, starts at fly-half, while Racing 92 powerhouse Josua Tuisova adds further muscle to the midfield.
“We’ve trained really well and at pace. We had a couple of live blocks in there and the boys really got stuck into each other. They’re ready to play,” head coach Mick Byrne said.
“I always have a bit of a gauge after a really hard session from the sort of noise the boys are making as they’re recovering. It was really loud today (Thursday). It’s really exciting and there’s a lot of good energy around.
“There’s a lot of strong energy about performing for our fans and our families back home, so I know the boys have got that at the top of their minds.”
England, meanwhile, have recalled Marcus Smith at fullback as one of seven changes to the starting XV.
Smith, typically a fly-half, was left out of the matchday 23 entirely against Australia but returns in the No.15 shirt following Freddie Steward’s hand injury. Fin Smith takes over at flyhalf, with George Ford dropping to the bench.
“It was a pleasing start to the series against Australia last weekend and we know we’ll need to take another step forward against Fiji,” Steve Borthwick said.
“The focus for us this week is on improving on last weekend’s performance and continuing to develop our game.”
The Englang coach: “Fiji are a dangerous team with power and quality right across the pitch. They play with physicality and skill, so we’ll need to bring intensity, accuracy and discipline in everything that we do.”
Players to Watch:
For England: All eyes will be on Marcus Smith as he returns to England’s starting XV in an unfamiliar role at fullback. The Harlequins playmaker missed out against Australia but brings creativity and X-factor to England’s backline. His counter-attacks, vision, and flair could prove pivotal in unlocking Fiji’s defence, while the halfback pairing of Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell will be key in controlling tempo and linking forwards and backs. Ben Earl continues to impress with his dynamic ball-carrying, defensive intensity, and relentless work rate. His ability to generate momentum from breakdowns and collisions will be crucial against a physical Fijian pack.
For Fiji: New Zealand-born Caleb Muntz has quickly become a central figure in Fiji’s attack since making his debut in 2023. Operating at fly-half, he combines sharp playmaking with a deadly knack for breaking the line himself, keeping England defenders on high alert. Powerful and explosive, Kalaveti Ravouvou is a winger who thrives in open space. The Bristol Bears star can exploit tiny gaps in defence but is most dangerous in open play, where his speed, balance, and evasive running make him extremely difficult to stop.
Prediction:
@rugby365: England by 8 points
Teams:
England: 15 Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Chandler Cunningham-South, 7 Ben Earl, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Alex Coles, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge (co-captain)
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19 Maro Itoje (co-captain), 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Henry Arundell
Fiji: 15 Salesi Rayasi, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo; 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Simi Kuruvoli, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Elia Canakaivata, 6 Kitione Salawa, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila; 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Hereiti Hetet, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Motikai Murray, 21 Sam Wye, 22 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23 Sireli Maqala
Date: Saturday, November 8
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 17.40 (05.40 FJT, Sunday, November 9; 17.40 GMT)
Expected weather: Dry day with plenty of sunshine around, and just a few light patches of cloud in spots with a temperature around 14°C
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Luc Ramos (France), Katsuki Furuse (Japan)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Sources: RFU and AFP
